Page 82 of Junk Magic

“Wait. What—”

“—Sebastian could use them on things like this. It’s what we’ve needed for a while—”

“That isn’t what I’m doing—”

“Well, why not?”

“I—the Corps would never allow it, for one, and I already have a job—”

“Yes, and from what I hear, it has designated you to deal with Were matters for at least the last year or so. You’re the one who found Sebastian’s daughter when she went missing, and cleared up that mess with Grayshadow, although nobody ever really understood what happened there. But you were obviously involved—”

“At Sebastian’s request! I can’t just go around—”

“Why not?” The woman was wearing a bunch of silver and turquoise bracelets that clinked together when she put her hands on her hips. I stared back at her, unused to feeling quite this dominated. She was maybe five foot two, giving me six inches on her, but somehow managed to convey the idea that she was looking down on me.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Sienna Thunderbird, Lupa of the Red Mountain Clan.”

Okay, that explained a few things.

“Well, Ms. Thunderbird, I don’t have the authority to simply make up my own department. It doesn’t work like that—”

“Then who does have the authority? Because somebody needs to deal with this before the perps become emboldened to do even worse.”

“I’m sure that Sebastian—”

“Wonderful! It’s settled then. I’ll let my people know they can rely on you.”

I was about to make the response that bit of steamrolling deserved when a young man ducked into the room. He looked about twelve in the face, with still-chubby cheeks and innocent brown eyes, but he was already too tall for the six-foot door. He was dressed in a football jersey and jeans, but had a waist length braid running down his back.

She pushed him at me.

“Here you go. Your first witness. Jake, tell Mage de Croissets all you know. She’s the head of our new investigative squad.”

And then she left, leaving me staring after her with my mouth slightly ajar.

“That’s the typical reaction,” the other woman said dryly, getting up. “Laura Bright Feather,” she said, holding out a hand. “Sienna’s cousin.”

I took it and found her grip to be strong, as all Were’s were. But other than that, she didn’t exactly scream otherworldly predator. She was what is often referred to as fluffy, a motherly sort of woman with a short, modern haircut that suited her pleasantly round face. She was dressed similarly to her boisterous counterpart, except for an embroidered floral blouse instead of an Oxford shirt, and without all the jewelry.

She did have an elaborate earring, though, and saw me notice it.

She touched it briefly. “Our people believe that you can’t get into the afterworld without a piercing.”

“What happens when you Change?” I asked, because Weres didn’t often wear jewelry. Sienna must be very confident in her control, because bracelets could cut into the flesh of suddenly larger limbs, and necklaces, especially strong ones, could choke you. I supposed that earrings would make the switch easily enough, but you still didn’t see many people wearing them.

But I guessed spiritual matters won out over convenience.

“We look fabulous,” Laura confirmed, and I laughed.

She patted my shoulder. “Don’t let Sienna worry you. She’s just frustrated. She’s been the voice of reason for many years, but nobody listens. I think she’s decided, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

Great.

“She’ll try to railroad you, but just stand your ground. She’ll respect you more—”

“And bully me less?”

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