Page 1 of Spelling Disaster

ChapterOne

Ijump from the romance novel, magic propelling me out of the pages and into the real world the same way it has a thousand times before. Sighing, I fall back on my bed with my heart thumping in pleasure, still clutching the open paperback to my chest.

“My. God,” I say out loud.

Whisker twitch. Seconds later, a small furry body hops onto the pillow beside my head and the mouse scurries until he’s sitting dead center on my chest. Staring at me in anticipation.

Bespelling myself into books takes a small spell and a little effort but there’s so much to gain. It’s worth every bit of energy and magic.

There’s sweat on my brow and a smile on my face.

My familiar nudges me with his nose to get me to talk.

“It was glorious,” I tell Gus. “I know logically that life in the Scottish Highlands is not all glamour and romance, but dang. Remi was right about this one.”

You look like you enjoyed yourself.

Gus always knows how to read my mind, and it’s a tool we use to speak to each other.

I gesture tiredly toward the book, needing a second to get my breath back but wow, what a rush. “It’s a great book. There’s romance and intrigue, not to mention gorgeous scenery. And Seamus.”

Oh, Seamus. He’ll forever have my heart.

I’ve never been one for Scottish romances, but my sister Remi loves them, and she’s taken to sneaking them into the library for me to read.

Who would have thought? Yasmine Williams has a secret crush on men in kilts. Just like a normal girl! Although a normal girl would work in a library that actually stocks these kinds of books on the shelves.

Gus sniffs and offers me the mouse equivalent of a grin.I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. At least you weren’t gone for hours this time.

“True. I love having a chance to actually explore a great romance.” Something, if I’m being honest, I’ll probably never get to experience in reality; not that I don’t have hope it might happen for me someday. Emphasis on themight. Again, it goes back to the part about being a normal girl, and how I’m…not one. “I really wish a reality like this would,could, exist for me on this side.”

The spells I use to dive into novels, even for such a small time, are only a reprieve. And not a permanent solution to my life path.

Not my life, I mentally correct. To my future.

I’ve been trained all my life for a future I’m not sure I want, but what other choices are there? Running a hand through my long, thick dark hair, I push up to a seated position and wait for the small swell of dizziness to pass.

Gus nudges me with his nose again.You’ve got to get going. You’re going to give your mother a heart attack if you’re not downstairs soon.

I glance at the clock, my heart thudding against my ribs and my eyes bulging out.

“Crap!” I scramble to right myself and fling Gus off the mattress in the process. My poor familiar. “I’m almost late!”

My mother is the most unforgiving boss I’ve ever had. She’s the only boss I’ve ever had, unfortunately, and as the head librarian for the local witch coven, she tolerates nothing less than perfection from everyone beneath her. Especially me.

I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand to clear them, hard enough for stars to jump to life behind closed lids. A glance in the mirror assures me I’m doing all right. Not the best but I work with what I’ve been given. I spare a few precious seconds to rework my hair into a neat braid, pushing the baby fine black hairs away from my face. All eyes, I think, staring at myself. Eyes and dark eyebrows and golden tan skin to go with my exaggerated features.

I’m looking as well as can be expected after my romp in the heather with Seamus.

Oh, Seamus.

My toes curl inside of my sneakers. Remi had been right about him, too.

A reluctant antihero I can’t help but adore.

This is my birthday present to myself. I offer my reflection a smile that warms the longer I think of the book. A few hours of uninterrupted fantasy to mark my special day.

“Okay, I’ve got to go. Thanks for watching my back!” I cast an apologetic glance over my shoulder to Gus before I bolt down the hallway.

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