Page 37 of Violet

“It’s not that simple, Cash. They’re—”

I’m interrupted by a knock on the door.

“That was fast,” Cash says.

I frown. “That can’t be the pizza. What did they do, teleport?”

“Probably hired a vampire to do the deliveries. I’m very impressed,” he says, getting to his feet.

He heads toward the front door, and I almost jump up and try to stop him. Almost.

Something feels really off about that knock. Almost like it’s... familiar? Except that’s impossible. I’m probably just being paranoid. Talking about them tends to have that effect.

Chapter 16

Violet

My heart pounds wildly in my chest as Cash unlocks the front door. I almost forget to shift, that’s how rattled I am. At the last possible moment, I transform into old Violet. Just in time, too, because a second later, Nole storms inside the apartment... and punches Cash right in the face.

The bear shifter’s powerful fist slams into the blood mage’s nose with a sickening crunch. Cash stumbles backward from the impact. Blood starts gushing onto his upper lip, and he reaches up to stem the flow.

“Cash!” I cry, jumping to my feet. Well, not jumping, really. Standing up, slowly, while my old bones protest and pain shoots down my lower back.

I want to shift. I need to move faster, but I can’t. Not around Nole. Sweet Nole who couldn’t hurt a fly, but looks poised for another attack.

“Violet, stay back,” Cash shouts, revealing sharp fangs as he licks the blood away. Then, he raises his hands with the obvious intent to cast.

I’m instantly transported to that fateful night—the night I went on the run—and I feel like I’m going to be sick. All the blood seems to drain from my face, and I can barely get out a weak, “Cash, don’t. Please!”

“What? You think I can’t handle your little mage?” Nole shouts.

There’s a look on the bear shifter’s face that I’ve never seen there before. Rage mixed with... something I can’t quite read.

Before I even realize what’s happening, he shifts. His bear is a light brown grizzly that’s three times the size of poor Cash. I’m surprised the floor doesn’t collapse beneath him. As it is, it vibrates with his every step.

Nole’s claws leave scratch marks on the parquet floor as he advances on Cash. I picture those same nails digging into the blood mage’s skin while the bear shifter mauls him alive, and cringe.

Then I look at Cash and realize that his nose already seems to have healed. Since he’s part vampire, there’s a good chance the damage won’t be permanent. Plus, he looks so calm and relaxed, like he’s not even concerned.

He starts to recite an incantation, and magic rises to his fingertips. His magic becomes almost palpable as it fills the room, and I wonder if he’s as powerful as one of them. Maybe, maybe not. But he definitely looks like he can hold his own against the bear. Maybe even do some permanent damage.

I need to stop them before they hurt each other!

I know I have to do something, but what? Shift into something equally menacing, like Liam the troll, or the scarlet-skinned demon I’ve seen at Jewels Cafe? Beg and plead for them to stop? I know there’s only one thing I’m willing to do.

“Nole, please. Don’t. Cash, stop!” Because I can’t risk the bear shifter finding out who I really am.

“Nole? As in your library assistant, Nole?” Cash asks, looking the bear over. “Not really how I pictured him.”

“He’s usually not like that. I swear!” I cry.

The bear shifter’s always been so sweet and caring. I’ve never even seen him get mad, not even the time his brothers drew all over his face with a permanent marker. I guess when he does let that anger loose, he really goes nuts!

I don’t even recognize the bear who rears back on his hind paws and almost crashes into the ceiling. He opens his giant maw with what is sure to be a growl so ferocious it’ll bring the neighbors running, but then Cash flicks his wrist and everything goes quiet.

Nole tries to roar again, but I don’t hear a sound. He shakes his head wildly, but even that’s silent. Whoa!

Then Cash flicks his wrist once more, and small sounds return: the quiet ticking of Violet’s clock. The hum of the humidifier. Nole’s heavy breathing.