Page 8 of Hot in Witch City
“Jeez,” Nova said. “I’m sure I’ll hear back from her today. I’ll bring it up and let you know.”
I smiled at the small victory. I’d come over here ashamed but had worked out one small step that got me closer to seeing Gianna again. My wolf would realize that what he’d sensed in the club was a fluke.
Then I could move on with my life without him pestering me to claim a stranger as my mate.
Gianna
After lunch, I headed over to the beach to clear my head. I tried to walk near water at least once a week, preferably the ocean. Although it was cool in December, I could withstand chilly temperatures more than most humans.
A cool breeze rolled from the sea, but the sky was clear and cloudless, making it a sunny afternoon. The light gleamed on the calm ripples of the ocean. I was the only one along this stretch of sand. Sometimes there were people walking their dogs, but in the winter, I had more time alone to walk and think. The club could get loud and busy, and I enjoyed the tranquility with the sound of the ocean and its familiar comforting scent.
In addition to spending time near the water, I loved to swim as much as possible. I swam laps at my gym’s pool two or three times a week and had gone earlier that morning. My father had signed me up for lessons when I was young, one of the rare times he nurtured my siren side. It came natural to me, and I joined the swim team in grade school, continuing until I graduated. The motion of gliding through the water invigorated and calmed me.
My phone buzzed, and when I glanced at the caller, it was Nova. "Hey, lady,” I greeted her.
"Hi, Gianna. What are you up to?”
“Walking the beach. Clearing out all the mental clutter before work.”
“Smart,” she said. “You’re so good about taking care of yourself. I need to be better at that.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll remind you when I see you slacking,” I teased.
“I’m sure you will.” She laughed. “I’m still recovering from the laser hair removal you tricked me into trying.”
“Ha, yes. That didn’t go as well as I’d expected.”
“I just want to make sure you're okay about last night. I'm sorry about what happened with Sebastian.”
A few seabirds called overhead, swooping a few dozen feet before me in the sand, and I moved to the left. "Although I was pissed last night, I calmed down after a swim earlier.” I snorted. “It's not like it's the first time there's been a fight in a club."
Nova hmphed. "True, but that’s what’s so odd about this whole thing. Diego, Sebastian, and Lucas bicker like brothers all day long, but they’re not aggressive. He was out of character."
"Why do you think that happened?”
"I’m not sure. He said his wolf was confused by your scent."
"Ugh, not again.” I groaned. “He was freaking me out about that last night. Wolf shifters and their damn sense of smell.”
“And vampires, too. Apparently, Diego was so affected by my scent, he struggled against biting me.”
“What?” I laughed. “Seriously?”
“Yep. I didn’t know that until today.”
“Well, I’m all set right now with any wolf shifters wanting to get with me because I smell like a yummy meal.”
Nova sighed. “Sebastian stopped by earlier and apologized.”
"It's fine," I replied.
"He wants to make it up to you. He offered to make dinner for all of us one night."
"That'sreallynot necessary," I said.
“You sure? He’s an amazing chef.” Nova chuckled. “I wouldn’t turn down a dinner when he’s cooking.”
“Yeah, it’s fine. I’m able to feed myself.” After that matter was resolved, I changed the subject. "What are you up to today?”
