Page 33 of A City of Hearts and Feathers

"That's so awesome. Genetics has always been a part of science I have found so interesting."

"I'll happily show you my lab sometime. That is, once you've settled everything with the bookstore." Ahmet smiled at Arslan and Kerem. "Here is trouble. I should have known you two would be watching our Zoe like hawks." It was said with a smile, but Zoe heard a flicker of something like disapproval in his tone.

"I am just happy my goddaughter is home at last," Kerem replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Ahmet laughed, patting Zoe on the shoulder. "Maybe you will join me on the science side of the 'Which is superior?' argument."

"What argument?"

Zeki threw up his hands. "No, no, don't get him started, Zoe. Ahmet is one of these rationalist beings that believe science is superior to magic."

"He is on the magic side, you can tell," Ahmet said, making Zoe laugh. "You were raised without it in your life, Zoe.Maybe I'll convince you to side with me over the mystics and superstitious members of the family."

"Stop hogging my cousin with your boring old men arguments," Azize said, coming into the room dressed in a purple kaftan that made her look like a bright butterfly. "Arslan! I haven't seen you in forever."

"I know. I'm sorry it has been so long, little one," he said. She kissed his cheeks, leaving a smear of bright fuchsia lipstick behind.

"You're looking lovely as always, Azi," Kerem told her, and Zoe couldn't help but notice her cousin's ears go pink when he hugged her.

"Thanks. Come on, cousin, I need you." Azize grabbed Zoe's hand and led her outside into the small back garden. Two little girls about five and seven were blowing soap bubbles in the middle of a pile of coloring books.

"I can't leave you in there with the men," Azize said, and her eyes glittered with trouble. "Although we seem to be missing one tall, handsome one."

"Kahil was busy doing something. He's living with me at the moment, so the break might be good," Zoe replied, sitting down on one of the lawn chairs next to her.

"At least he's pretty to look at, hmm?"

"He is, and he knows it," Zoe said with a roll of her eyes.

"Have you thought maybe taking advantage of that? I mean, there have to be some perks about having a bodyguard. Maybe have some fun with him?"

"Azi! No. It would be unprofessional." Zoe quickly looked away from her cousin's grin. "Super bad idea. Bad, bad, bad."

"Ah huh. I can tell you're really uninterested by the thought of getting him naked," Azize cackled.

Zoe lifted the collar of her shirt up over her face. "Shut up."

"I knew it! You have a crush."

Zoe lowered the shirt, her face red. "I can't help it. I'm a simple girl who likes muscly, long-haired men who cook for me."

"You got Kahil to cook! Well, maybe he has a crush on you too," Azize teased, and then her face went thoughtful. "I don't remember him ever being interested in anyone. This is going to be so amusing for me to watch play out."

"Careful, cousin. Don't think I didn't see you going red when Kerem hugged you."

Azize gave a flippant little laugh. "It's a natural response when a hot man hugs you. You really like Kahil though. I can tell."

"It's nothing. I'm sure it will pass once I get used to him being around. I have too much other stuff to worry about than silly crushes."

Azize leaned over and took her hand. "You okay? I know this all must be a lot for you to handle. Magic is beautiful and being able to see the supernatural around us is a gift. We are all here for you as you discover that for yourself."

"Thank you, Azi. Does anyone else in the family do magic like my father did?" Zoe asked, the words still feeling odd when she said them aloud.

Azize's eyebrows shot up. "You don't know whatbabadoes? He's a soothsayer. He can divine the future. He has a shop, and we all work there. Ahmet is the only one in the family who did somethingnormal. Emre is studying history, but he's learning magic as well. Where do you think Uncle Oman learned how to do the warding on the bookstore?"

Zoe leaned forward and put her head in her hands. "I don't know any of this! I feel like the most clueless person ever."

"Don't let it upset you, cousin. We are all here to tell you whatever you need to know," Azize replied and placed her arm around her shoulders. "You will learn it all soon enough. Focus on the bookstore. The rest will come when it needs to."

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