Page 22 of Magic & Secrets
Calla frowned at my words, almost seeming offended. She glanced at Mina, who told her to be silent with a simple look. Refusing to be silenced, Calla focused on me and tilted her head.
“Why is that?”
My hands slid over her soft hair. At the peak of her skull, I lifted my index fingers and curled them. “You have no horns.”
Touching her was a mistake.A painful surge of magic flowed between us. I yanked my hands back, certain again of her treachery.
Calla offered a soft smile. “I only know what we were taught about the old times. No one ever mentioned horns. Were they large like on a rhino or small like on a Chauve Vampyre?”
“What exactly were you taught by your Witch master?”
“I know why you squirm,” Calla taunted, smiling slyly. “I was trained in the art of seduction. There is no magic involved.”
Narrowing my eyes, I offered a sneering grin. Most creatures within the Territories would shrink in fear of my temper, yet Calla refused to be intimidated. She continued to wear a soft, inviting smile as if unaware of my dark mood.
“What did you find in the Shifters’ bags?” I asked and leaned closer. “Don’t lie. I was trained in the skill of sniffing out horseshit. No magic necessary, either.”
Calla lowered her gaze. “They took souvenirs from your friends.”
I glanced at Koda and Delta, who were undoubtedly listening to the conversation.
“That’s why you hid them from us?” I asked Calla.
“We thought you might be sad.”
“Do I look capable of sadness?”
Calla’s gaze brandished the power to rip away my armor. “You look like a very sensitive creature with a multitude of emotions.”
“Really?”
Grinning suddenly, Calla replied, “No, but praise is part of my seduction technique. Did it work?”
“No.”
Calla’s bright expression darkened. “Too bad.”
“Don’t take it personally. Bane Shifters have no interest in seduction.”
Calla’s green eyes studied me as if my words didn’t register. She turned away and focused on the humans at the bar. With her gaze off me, I felt cold and discarded.
“We will leave tomorrow and track the wolves,” Mina announced and stood. “If we see you on the trail, we’ll be sure to wave.”
Enya joined Mina at the end of the table. Wearing a lovely pout, Calla looked at me. I knew she wanted to remain at my side. However, she very gradually stood and stepped back.
“Thanks for catching me,” she said and created distance between us. “If our paths never meet again, good luck back on your mountain.”
Calla turned away and followed Mina and Enya from the pub. I stared at the door where she disappeared before frowning at my packmates.
“What is wrong with you?”
“I don’t know,” Delta said and shrugged his thick shoulders. “I’ve felt wrong since those warriors arrived.”
“They wield ancient magic,” Koda added. “Like the Ivitithi creature’s ancient magic used to distract us.”
Delta asked, “What world do we face now where the ancient ones stir up trouble?”
I studied our surroundings, searching for a threat where none existed. This place was a settlement like so many others, where humans barely got by. Nothing evil lurked here.
