Page 97 of Siren in the Rain

Shae’s happiness comes through loud and clear during the number—and, of course, he’s the only one among us who can do the falsetto bits. He’s so good he’d probably make Freddie Mercury weep. When it’s over, we’re all bouncing around merrily like we’re full of effervescent champagne bubbles.

Riding on our karaoke sirensong high, we troop back upstairs and head outside to the patio. The evening air is cool and the breeze coming in from the ocean is salty and comforting. We sit around the patio table and Dallas busts out a few bottles of wine.

“Now, Shae,” Dallas says, “Griffin talked to us all beforehand, so we know a bit about your other power.”

“The Voice of Truth,” I confirm, my tail thumping happily.

Shae shifts awkwardly in his seat, an uncomfortable look on his face, and Haku nuzzles his ear in reassurance. “Yeah, I haven’t really tried to use that one yet.”

“We know, and we’ve all agreed to let you try it out on us.”

Shae gapes at Dallas. “What?”

Dallas’s round bear ears wiggle a little. “If you have the ability to compel others to speak the truth, even when they don’t want to, it could be invaluable in our investigations. Helping you learn how to use and hone such an important and powerful power is the least we can do.” He reaches over and gives my mate a hearty slap on the back. “We trust you. After all, you’re part of the family now, and a full-fledged member of MEOW Squad.”

“You’ve got this, Shae,” Emma says, her voice full of encouragement.

“You can do it, Master Shae!” Haku crows.

Shae opts for some liquid courage and takes a swig from his wineglass. “I’m honored that you all trust me so much and are willing to let me test out my powers on you, but I don’t know what it will do. It could make you reveal things you don’t want to share with others.” He frowns and shakes his head. “I’d hate to invade your privacy and betray your trust, even if it happened unintentionally.”

Ruby leans over and takes hold of his hand, patting it gently. “We told you, we’re a family here. We trust one another with our lives and many of our secrets. I’m sure there are some things we’d all rather not share, but you can start simple and not probe too deep.” Her eyes brighten. “In fact, I have a great idea!”

Cal makes a pained noise. “Get ready. I recognize that look in Ruby’s eye.”

She sticks her tongue out at him and then beams at Shae. “Why don’t you try and use the Voice of Truth to have us tell you funny stories about each other that we’ve never shared with you before?”

I immediately jump at this idea. “Ooh! Do that one.” I’m practically bouncing out of my chair with excitement.

Shae gives me a fond but mildly exasperated look. “Settle down, Wolf Boy.” He looks around the table. “You’re all really okay with this? You promise you won’t hate me afterward?”

Cal leans back in his chair and stretches out his legs, the picture of ease and confidence. His tattoo-like sigils are on display with the T-shirt he’s wearing, and the lettering on the front of it reads, Piss off or I’ll shove your wand where the sun don’t shine.

It’s so Cal.

“Give us your best shot, Shae,” Cal says, a challenging glint in his eyes. “We’re ready to handle whatever you have in store for us.”

Haku gives a mini roar of approval and we all laugh.

Finally, Shae takes a deep breath and lets it out. “I’ve only read about this in the books my grandmother gave me, so I don’t know if it’ll work. Basically, I just need to focus my magic and my intent before I speak. You’ll have to tell me how strong the compulsion is and if you need me to stop. I don’t want to make any of you uncomfortable.”

Everyone agrees and Shae takes a steadying breath.

“You got this, babe. I believe in you,” I tell him.

“Wolf Boy’s right,” Haku chimes in, giving me a gleeful grin.

When did he decide to start calling me that too?

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Shae says. “I think Ruby’s right. Let’s start with something simple that you all might not necessarily try to resist answering. We’ll move up from there, depending on how it goes.”

Everyone nods in agreement.

“Let’s start with me,” I volunteer.

Shae turns to me with a mischievous smirk. “Get ready.”

I nod and wait, my tail thumping eagerly against the back of my chair.

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